The recently dedicated Motion Pictures Industries Facility at Point Loma High has produced its first award-winning student films.

The city’s annual “San Diegans Waste No Water” competition challenges youthful filmmakers to produce a 20-second public service announcement film supporting water conservation as part of the local lifestyle.

Pointer filmmakers created five of the eight honored projects.

Competing against area high schools and universities, Pointer students finished in second and third place, while three other films were selected as finalists in the annual contest. No other San Diego high school received honors.

“I was super proud of my students,” said PLHS multimedia and video production teacher Anthony Palmiotto. “Some of the elements of these films could not have been created without the components of the new [Motion Pictures Industries Facility] building. New programs and some brand-new camera equipment really made all of our projects better.”

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner spoke when the awards were announced at a red-carpet premiere showing of winning films May 15 on the IMAX Theater screen of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park.

“And the award goes to ... our creative local youth!" Filner proclaimed. "I am especially pleased when such talent and imagination is put to use toward a cause as important as water conservation.”

The third-place film was a joint effort by Pointer students Aaron Gomes, Alex Mouritzen and Alexis Meraz, entitled “Calvin the Cactus.”

PLHS finalists were “Save the Blue” by Stephanie Hernandez and Krysta Kowalski; “Secret Agent” by Sabrina Aspiras; and “Stunts” by Colin Metcalf and Sam VonRoon.

First place went to Michael J. Bowie from San Diego State University for “The Hydrologist,” an entry Palmiotto called “incredible.” Bowie's film will be shown at Mission Valley and Plaza Bonita AMC Theaters and the Mira Mesa Edwards Theater.

All eight films can be viewed online at www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=-586093988081943.